Red-flanked Duiker

Red-flanked Duiker

Geographical Range

Senegal to southwestern Sudan (in Africa)

Habitat

Forests and forest edges

Scientific Name

Cephalophus rufilatus

Conservation Status

Near threatened

This shy little antelope never strays far from the security of dense forest cover. When it’s not feeding on leaves and fruit, the red-flanked duiker (pronounced dy'-ker) remains hidden under bushes or behind fallen tree trunks. Duikers live alone except when raising a youngster; they are highly territorial. Loss of habitat and hunting for bushmeat continue to be the greatest threats to their survival.

Did You Know?

Duikers have scent glands beneath their eyes and within their hooves that they use to mark their territory.